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Locals rally to mourn slain Texas couple as new details come to light

A couple in Texas, Britney Cosby and Crystal Jackson, were murdered last week and left by the side of a dumpster. Recently, it was revealed that Crystal was shot and Britney was bludgeoned to death in this tragic crime.

While national mainstream outlets continue to lag in reporting on the story, Britney and Crystal's local community and grassroots groups are continuing tireless efforts to organize, to find answers. Yesterday, the women's families and other volunteers passed out flyers, as well as the composite sketch of the man last seen with the victims, near where their bodies were found. The group ended the day with a prayer vigil, reported Elixher.

Volunteer and local advocate Quanell X said he believes the couple was targeted in an anti-LGBT-motivated attacked. At the vigil, he called on God's help to "solve this horrible crime," and, according to the Houston Chronicle, on community members to cooperate with the police and provide information that could solve the crime. 'The no-snitch policy has no place in our community,' he said.

"Equality Texas is deeply saddened by this murder and our hearts and prayers are with Ms. Cosby’s and Ms. Jackson’s family and friends during this difficult time. For many in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community this is a stark reminder that nearly a third of Texas' hate crimes are motivated by bias against sexual orientation. A report issued last year my the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs found that 73.1% of all anti-LGBT homicide victims in 2012 were people of color."

GLAAD continues to urge national news outlets to pay attention to the horrific violence Britney and Crystal suffered, and which plagues the LGBT community and people of color.

A reward fund has been established to help authorities gain information and find the perpetrator. You can donate to Galveston County Crime Stoppers, to whom all proceeds will go, here.

Sofia, a bisexual Latina woman, says of southern Texas, “The culture is beautiful and rich and there’s something so comforting about seeing the big ol’ 10 gallon hats, with the big ol’ belt buckles, and the sound of music playing…At the same time, I wish it was a little bit different. I wish that we could come here [and] not be afraid for our safety.”

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